STERLING SILVER: Also known as "Standard Silver," sterling silver is silver alloyed with other metals to increase the hardness and durability. Generally, sterling is 92.5% silver and 7.5% other metals. Some sterling silver jewelry is plated with 14kt-18kt gold and referred to as "vermeil," or "gold over sterling."

AGATE: a variety of chalcedony, agate covers a rainbow spectrum of colors from black and gray to brown, pink, blue and yellow. Agate can be textured and exhibit a variegated layered stripe effect, which makes it a wonderful stone for carved cameos and beaded necklaces and bracelets.

PEAR: Similar to the outline of a pear fruit, this is a round shape that comes to a point on one side.